News and Updates on the Future Museum Project

The latest: Foundational work on the Museum building is complete and construction is beginning to go vertical; foundational work on the parking structure is underway.

MPM is in the process of building a new, 200,000-sq. ft. natural history museum in downtown Milwaukee, set to open in early 2027. Learn about the latest construction milestones, visitor experience announcements, behind-the-scenes packing efforts, and more:

Tower Crane Installation
On October 5, 2024, crews erected the tower crane on the Future Museum site, which will be used to lift and move heavy materials and machinery throughout the duration of construction.
Future Museum Inclusion Report
Read the Future Museum's Inclusion Report through June 30, 2024 here:
Future Museum Indigenous Artist Mood Board
The Museum has selected artist Mark Fischer of the Oneida Nation to design and create an Indigenous art installation for the Future Museum's outdoor Plaza.
FM Construction Video Thumbnail
The Future Museum's construction manager Mortenson took over the site on June 10 to begin the four-month-long process of driving 523 steel beams, called piles, into the ground.
Future Museum Groundbreaking
Hundreds gathered at a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Future Museum in downtown Milwaukee, where local and state officials, donors, tribal partners, school children, and many others celebrated this MAMMOTH step forward in the design and construction of a new natural history museum.
Future Museum Collections Item
Curators and collections staff began the multi-year effort to carefully pack the more than 4 million objects in the Museum's collections in preparation for MPM’s move to its Future Museum.

Architecture and Amenities

Inspired by the unique rock formations at Mill Bluff State Park in central Wisconsin as well as the confluence of Milwaukee's three rivers, the architectural design of the Future Museum will stoke curiosity and wonder and serve as a gathering place for learners of all ages and backgrounds to come together. Learn more about the inspired design and view high-resolution renderings of our new home:

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Exhibit Galleries and Visitor Experiences

The Museum's five permanent galleries will feature several exhibits that explore the interconnectedness of nature and culture under their broader gallery theme. The exhibits will build upon and reimagine the iconic moments and visitor experiences at the current Museum, showcasing many of the 4 million priceless objects and specimens.

Click the buttons below to view design concepts of the Future Museum's exhibit galleries:

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